Friday, March 23, 2007

Process Paper G1-3/Goddard

rimarily thank you for your time on the
telephone last week. I must admit I felt a great deal relieved and
rejuvenated after our conversation. It also enjoyed the comments on
my work in the return packet. I have gotten over some hurtles during
the work on packet number three. Rewriting has proved to be more
exciting than I would have thought. It is still a challenge as I am
sure it will continue to be. However, I am quite pleased with the
results.

Change number one in my mode of work
this go around, I spent more time with the notebook and pen, and I
only approached the computer when I was ready to clean things up a
bit. I think there must be something a little more tactile about the
old system, and although I want to be more high-tech and savvy in
this modern age, there is something more comforting in sitting under
a tree with the notebook. Yes, I have taken to sitting under trees
as spring is moving along here with alarming force, the winter is
over.

Thank you for accepting the Huxley and
the Johnson annotation. Having at least two of them under my belt
made the task of rewriting tolerable. More tolerable? Actually, it
made the task enjoyable. My confidence in these critical pieces is
building, as well as the confidence in myself.

The annotations: I took what you’ve
said both in comments and in our conversation very seriously. For
the first time since this process has begun, I feel like I’m
getting a grasp on it. What’s more, I’m really looking forward
to doing more of them. The revision of the Dickey annotation was
tough to get started. I read the book before I left Vermont, so
there were many things clouding my memory. After a few days of
rereading the text as well as my first draft, I decided to simplify.
After cut much of the fat it became easier to see my thoughts, and as
a surprise to me, easier to see my thoughts on the page.

Zamyatin and the colors of We
went as smoothly. The other annotation, the Book of Ecclesiastes I
just tried to have fun with it. I hope you have fun with it too.
This book, although mired deep in old language and biblical mumbo
jumbo was enjoyable to read, and even a little funny. As I have
indicated in the second title of my annotation, I’m grateful to
have read this book on a sunny day. Macabre stuff really, and I
enjoyed it terribly.

As I’m looking at my reading list for
the upcoming annotations, and after reading your response attachment,
“Write Till You Drop” by Annie Dillard, I’ve decided to try
something new. In the next line up, I’m planning to focus on the
short stories on my list. Even looking at the Steinbeck story I
realize so much is being said in short space. Since we’ve been
discussing diction, and syntax and the like perhaps, a spell of
micro-examination of sentences is in order here. I’m busy
rethinking.

My creative work is moving along. I’m
concerned about many of the things you’ve expressed concern. Yes,
I think the structure is going to be an issue. Well, actually I know
structure is an issue. It’s already an issue. Fortunately, in
this installment you will be meeting the last character I plan to
introduce. A stately older gentleman named Papa. Things are getting
exciting, and I’m still trying to puzzle it together. The
introduction of Papa although planned, is absolutely crucial. Aside
from my narrator, he is the only other male in the story. He is also
the only character who will not get deported or dead. What’s to
come I think will be exciting. Currently, I have a small stack of
handwritten vignettes, which will be requiring attention. My mode of
work is to spend a little time on it everyday. This story is with me
most of my day and even into the night. One night last week, I had
such an amazing dream that stuck with me most of the day and it
several hours later I realized its importance. I have a
snapshot-type dream and it was in wild dream fashion the end of the
story. So knowing now how it ends I don’t want to rush to get
there too soon.

I’m considering the process already
of the revision of this Omma Opus; however, I really want to finish
the writing of this story first. I need plenty of guidance, but I
don’t know what the specific of this guidance is just yet. I do
appreciate having you as an audience with it, and please know I am
taking all critics and suggestions seriously. At this point in the
semester, I’m seeing the improbability of volume of the story. Do
you think I should just keep on truckin’ with it, get it all down,
and spend a subsequent semester in the revision? If that’s the
case, we probably ought to take about extending our relationship into
the next term… However, I’m probably getting ahead of myself.

The Annie Dillard attachment you sent
struck a chord with me. I initially read it a couple of time shortly
after our conversation on Friday, and I have since read it a third
time. Great motivation, and written with confidence which I’m just
now starting to understand. Jeez, it seems I’m very optimistic
about the process today. Well, it is a sunny day.

I can’t think of anything else to
address in this letter. In rehash, thank you again for the time and
care, I believe the quality of my critical work is improving, and I
am trusting in the process.